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This is just sick... 2 years, filled with torture, just for writing a program which wasn't under his control anymore? What's next, bonfire of vanities? Lets burn all computers, phones and cameras since those can be used to make pornography..
When we're done with technology, why not burn all the scientists on stakes.. After all, things that they're researching can just be turned around to endanger everyone else..

Thank you for commenting, Sheri. I agree with you that prisoners of conscience are usually there because some power-hungry regime is kicking off.

As for the citizenship issue, I couldn't help drawing parallels with the plight of Bradley Manning. He's partially a British citizen (dual British and American) and he's been kept in solitary confinement for a long time now. Thankfully it's just been announced that he's got a court date, but unfortunately, it's a military court. *sigh*

It's cases like Bradley and Saeed which make me glad that I do my bit for Amnesty International.

Wow Meagan, you've just hit the nail on the head! The quality of life versus money in the pocket thing is precisely what I've been struggling to articulate. I keep ending up in conversations about this issue and I'm going to use that to explain what I mean from now on. Thank you!

Lovely article! I can't wait until The Hobbit comes out in December, thanks also for the link to the behind the scenes blog, I do love background information ;-)

Excellent article - thanks for sharing these stories! In Australia our public health system is not as comprehensive as the NHS but no one would be denied necessary treatment. Although I rarely use the public health system I’m happy to pay tax to live in a society in which basic healthcare is a right for all. This means more to my quality of life than a few extra dollars in my pocket.

Great collection. I haven't played Prison Tycoon or Hotel Giant.

I've been hooked on tycoon games ever since I first played rollercoaster tycoon and SimCity and they are still some of the best tycoon games in my experience.

That is an excellent example, Kangaroo_Jase, thanks for bringing that up. The one thing I like about this approach is that it helps me to focus better and narrow the material down - in the end, if I would write an article about 'Best restaurants in Paris' it would end up being a novel ;-)
Thanks also everybody else that has commented, your words are appreciated!

Are there only 5 Reasons Why People Fail At Internet Marketing?
I think the basis of all work is to come at it professionally. 'This business' is no different. You would not last very long in the corporate world without having knowledge about what you are expected to do, or ability in doing it.
Educating oneself on all aspects; finding those writers that actually know what they are talking about, and are willing to share (sifting out the marketing hype and the BS); putting in the time to develop your skills; finding your niche and your 'voice'; developing beyond your comfort zone; but above all knowing what it is that you are striving for, and planning to achieve it, are the cornerstones of any developmental and incremental earning opportunity: not least this one.

My goal in the first place was to earn an equivalent amount of money to that I receive from my pensions. I retired early from the corporate world with ill health and the pensions I had built up were nowhere near what I expected. After almost 2 years I have just about achieved that goal (notwithstanding the constant ups and downs due to Google algorithm changes). What I have written is now out there and earning on a daily basis. I have a portfolio of work that will keep earning. Now to implement another plan with a greater goal!

Your article puts the 'on-line writing game' in perspective. Although not all of your statements are necessarily true, they do hold true for the majority of would-be writers. You can earn a liveable wage in a short time, but not many achieve this. My motto: read before you write - I think that is a mantra which you have underlying this article.

I like the way you 'say it as it is'. Power to your elbow!

Very good way to get ones writing out of a glut too Sam. Localization is an excellent example of expanding on a theme, say for writing about restaurants during a vacation or even those found locally and around near home.

I have seen writers write articles as a series, such as (these are all suburbs near my main city of residence)

Best Food In Melbourne
Best Food In St Kilda
Best Food In Melbourne City
Best Food In Richmond
Best Food In Carlton
Best Food In Toorak
Best Food In etc etc

One writer would be able to swap words of Food with Dessert or Wine or Best Service, Best Lunch, many option available.

People slowly start to realize that there is so much one can write about when following a theme and then narrowing down to a niche, that there is plenty to write for everyone!

Yes you can and the arch is really spectacular to see.

Great poem Debbie. I totally relate of course due to my own OBE. Beautifully done.

Hi Janet - unfortunately many people go through an event like that before they decide to actually make the investment. I have worked in generators for a long time and seen many different things. A lot of businesses lose so much money when power is lost. Generators are like insurance I guess. You hope you never need it but it is there for when you do. Thanks so much for reading and commenting.

Unfortunately, the case of Saeed Malekpour is just one of numerous cases in Iran and other countries. And it has nothing to do with citizenship. Didn't they kill Daniel Pearl, the American journalist, in Pakestan? It has everything to do with power-hungry regimes that care only for their own power and wealth. Look at Syria now. If you want to understand any of this, you have to understand some people's need for power and control and the lengths to which they are willing to go to protect that.
Thank-you for this article. It is important to know about these issues. I wish him and all those illegally maintained freedom and safety.

That's great, Shannon! I love that you've made yourself a mushroom pincushion and glad that you could follow the instructions ok as it can be hard to write craft instructions. Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment :)

Wow! I never knew you could inside the arch. It's a scary thought but the photos of the inside make it look very inviting.